The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Vol 77, 319-322, Copyright © 1979 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and The Western Thoracic Surgical Association
Cold blood cardioplegia
H Laks, HB Barner and G Kaiser
The technique of myocardial protection by means of a cardioplegic solution
consisting of cold blood (10 degrees C) with potassium (30 mEq. per liter)
is described. A disposable cooling coil is used and a separate pump head
for coronary perfusion is avoided. The aortic perfusion cannula can be used
for venting of the left ventricle and subsequently for venting of air. This
method was used in 125 consecutive patients undergoing coronary
revascularization and in 73 consecutive pediatric cardiac surgical
procedures with excellent results.